already have some folks here. So if you have questions, go ahead and fire

away. I'll be happy to try and answer them for you

Eric Williams: We also had some questions from the blog that I'll answer here. One of

them had to do with Michael Crabtree and the reports about him alienating

some of the staff during his visit in Cleveland.

I can't confirm those reports. But I do believe the Seahawks have done

their homework on Crabtree, and have answered questions about his

character.

And if they were to select Crabtree, the Seahawks should be able to help mold him with veterans like T.J.

Houshmandzadeh, Matt Hasselbeck and Walter Jones, who can show him how to be an NFL player.

Eric Williams: Jim Mora also was around T.O. in S.F. and is considered a players coach and a guy who knows how to relate with young players. So I think if the Seahawks decided to go with Crabtree, they could

surround him with good people who know the league.

There's also the question of Mark Sanchez, and what would Seattle's plans be if they draft him.

I think if Seattle does draft Sanchez, which I believe they are seriously considering, then the plan would be for Sanchez to sit for two years and learn under Haselbeck before taking over in 2011.

I believe Hasselbeck's contract is up in 2011, and by that time Seattle should know if Sanchez is the guy for the future or not.

Kuya: Hi Eric, do you think with the trade of Gonzo to the Falcons, made it seem like the Chiefs are going to grab Crabtree?

Eric Williams: I think the problem with selecting Sanchez is you're paying him a lot of money to sit the bench, and the Seahawks could use a guy to come in and play now

Eric Williams: No, I'd be surprised if KC takes Crabtree. I think they have other needs on defense and

on the offensive line.

Kuya: I was reading your input about Sanchez. I am also on the fence about him. We use him as our Franchise QB or Trade bait. How do you think Hasselbeck will feel though?

Eric Williams: I don't think Hasselbeck would be happy. But he's a professional and I think he would try and help Sanchez, because Favre did the same thing for him in Green Bay. But I don't think a lot of guys on the team would be happy about that pick to be honest with you.

Eric Williams: Seahawks players believe they can win now. And Sanchez isn't going to help them do that.

Kuya: How's the new dog?

James: As a fan, I would like to see a playmaker selected, and my own choice is Knowshon Moreno. But Ruskell has to be more responsible, and if Matt has been hurt the past three years, you have to reasonably assume he will not stay health over the next three years, so if Sanchez is there, you do it.

Eric Williams: The new dog is good. Her name is Bahee, which I believe is Irish. She's friendly and good

with the kids, but also a pretty good watchdog. Thanks for asking.

Eric Williams: I agree. Selecting Sanchez would be forward thinking on Ruskell's part. And I like Knowshon a lot too. I just think he's too similar to Julius Jones.

Kuya: James - You and BobbyK both agree and I agree. The thing is, is that Moreno wouldn't be the 'value' pick, it would be more of a reach. That's why we're all hoping to trade down to acquire him or Jenkins and still have some middle round picks. Moreno would be a great addition.

Kuya: Where is everybody? Duke, Nighthawk, Bobby?

Eric Williams: Kuya I agree with you. If Seattle could trade down and get Moreno I think that would be a good pick-up because of his value in the mid-first round.

Kuya: Did everyone see who's on the cover on Madden? It is Polamalu and

Fitzgerald! Does the curse live on?

Eric Williams: Dukeshire asked on the blog how much of a priority would selecting a defensive lineman would be in the draft, considering Redding's one-year deal and Kerney's health issues.

I think Seattle will seriously consider drafting a pass rusher in the top three rounds to add depth. However, I think they also like young guys like Daryl Tapp, Lawrence Jackson and Baraka Atkins, and haven't given up on those guys yet

Stevo: If Ruskell gets to trade down, will he be targeting a pass rusher or RB? I could see him going after Orakpo if he trades down. What thinks u?

Aaron Chantler: Eric, what are the odds the Hawks will trade the pick?

Guest: Sanchez was an okay college qb. He's not going to help them win this year - Hass' health is a must. Is the 2010 draft likely to be deeper at qb and, if so, what's the harm in waiting? I think Sanchez

is going to just be mediocre in the NFL. A Rob Johnson at best.

Eric Williams: Stevo: I could see a RB or pass rusher. But I also could see an OL or WR because of the talent that is available there.

Stevo: you mean trading down and going after A Smith or Oher?

Rez: I don't get that Skins/Jets deal. Why would the Jets give up #17 for just

Campbell?

Eric Williams: Chantler, what's up? I think the odds are slim they will trade down. But I think they've done a pretty good job of creating the illusion that they may select Sanchez. So it's still

possible.

Eric Williams: Stevo: That's correct. I think both of those guys would be good value there.

Stevo: A Smith, Oher, Moreno, Wells or Orakpo in the 1st, plus an extra rnd 2 pick would make a sweet

draft!

Eric Williams: Guest: You've got McCoy, Bradford and Tebow coming out in 2010. The problem is Seattle might not have a high draft pick again next year.

Aaron Chantler: Things are good Eric, you? What are you hearing about the Redskins wanting the fourth pick? If they offered a first and third and a first next year wouldn't we have to take that?

Eric Williams: Rez: I think the Jets would just like a veteran guy to manage the offense and let the defense control things like Ryan did in Baltimore.

Eric Williams: Chantler: A first and third for next year would be tempting, but I don't think the Seahawks are getting enough value in that deal. I think it will take two first round picks. Things are good Aaron. And busy, as you can imagine.

DuckFan: I love Kory Sperry from Colorado State. He's a late round TE, who some people say translates better as an H-back in the NFL. Would we ever consider somebody like this in '09?

Aaron Chantler: So if the Redskins offered their No. 1 this year, a 3rd rd. this year, 1st rd. in 2010, would you make the trade? I can imagine, miss the days at the TNT.

Eric Williams: Duckfan: They might. Seattle could use another TE who can stretch the field in case Carlson goes down. He could be a consideration.

Eric Williams: Yeah, as long as I was getting two, first round picks I would take it. But with the amount first round picks make, perhaps Seattle would want a first rounder and two seconds. You can still get a pretty good player in the second round. Just look at the Patriots roster.

Stevo: Eric, do you know which RBs the Seahawks scouts spent the most time visiting or

looking at?

Aaron Chantler: Speaking of the second round, any chance they grab a RB there?

Kuya: I would be happy as a fan to take 1st + 3rd round in 2009 and 1st round in 2010 from the Redskins. The Giants, Eagles have improved.

NewYorkHawk: What first-round pick they could make would shock you the most?

Kuya: meaning that the Redskins will probably finish 3rd or 4th

Eric Williams: I know Beanie Wells came in for a visit. And they looked at Moreno at the Georgia pro day. I think Donald Brown and Rashad Jennings would fit in nicely because of the way they run-- one cut and get down the field.

Kuya: Rashad came from Liberty, do you think Ruskell will go after a small school product?

Eric Williams: Chantler: They could take a RB in the second round. I like Donald Brown or LeSean McCoy there.

BORNHAWK: Where do you think the team will go in the 2nd round?

Eric Williams: NewYorkHawk: Good question. I'd almost be shocked if they took Sanchez, because I think it's a risky pick and it's not Ruskell's MO to go out on a ledge.

Aaron Chantler: Why do I have the feeling that Reilly from CWU and Gibson from WSU will be Hawks when the draft is over?

Eric Williams: Kuya: Rashad played as a true freshman at Pitt before transferring to be close to his ailing father, so he has big-school talent.

Eric Williams: I think if they don't take an OLineman in the first round they'll grab one in the second round. The talent starts to drop off after that.

ZenDoc: I can't help thinking that Michael Crabtree is too good a talent to pass up. Having a game breaker like him + Houshmanzadeh (sp?) would be a real treat for Matt Hasselback and could make their offense a lot more potent. He seems to be more of a difference maker than a lot of the other talent.

Eric Williams: Stevo: I don't think so bud. But I'll figure out some sort of prize pack to be announced. Good luck.

Rez: Agree on Crab. Curry is TOO safe.

Kuya: I saw on your Mock, Beatty would be the choice in the 2nd round... His desire to play the game has been questioned, due to having interest in the arts and culture. Seattle is full of that, don't you think it may be a distraction?

Eric Williams: Chantler: The Hawks know those guys pretty well, and it's easier to draft guys when you know what you're getting.

BORNHAWK: I watch the game between texas and texas tech and when he made that catch for a td i knew he was going to be special.

Eric Williams: Zendoc: I agree, Crabtree could be hard to pass up.

Kuya: Crabtree, J Smith, Curry are the picks I would be happy with.

NewYorkHawk: Why does Crabtree scream 'Michael Westbrook' to me? Is this fair? Much as I would compare Matthew Stafford to Brodie Croyle.

Eric Williams: Kuya: I don't think Beatty would be distracted. You want your players to be well-rounded. I think he would be a good fit here because of his athletic ability. And there's no pressure for him to start now.

Kuya: Don't get me wrong, I like Beatty too! But the desire to play the game is very important

Eric Williams: NewYorkHawk: I'm not sure on the Westbrook comparison, but I understand you're concerns. Westbrook was a great player in college but did not have a great career in the pros. But when you watch Crabtree on tape, you kind of forget about everything else.

ZenDoc: Eric, do you have any reliable info on the possibility of the Hawks trading down & therefore not getting any of these really good players, but adding a 2nd rounder who will definitely help?

Eric Williams: Kuya: I think he'll have enough desire to do well, with some coaxing from the coaching staff and those fat checks he'll be cashing. I think he'll be accountable.

Kuya: If we get Crabtree, Branch OR Burleson will be gone next year.

Eric Williams: ZenDoc: Folks have been pretty quiet for the most part, but in talking to other reporters in their perspective cities and other sources, I do get the sense that teams are considering trading up to four, or perhaps three to get a shot at Sanchez.

ZenDoc: Kuya. yea, there may not be enough passes to go around or enough PT if we get Crabtree.

Rez: Denver has the ammo. There will be some kind of trade in the top 4 I bet.

NewYorkHawk: One of the Jets blogs has a mock with J. Smith and Monroe going 1-2. If they're both on the board, would they consider Stafford over Sanchez? That scares me, but they seem to

really like Sanchez, huh?

Eric Williams: Chantler: I think Curry is the best player on the board, and if Seattle got him they would be giddy. After that, I think they need a big body inside to add depth to the offensive line. I think they can still get a decent RB or WR in round three.

ZenDoc: Eric, so ideally you would take defense over offense in Rd. 1?

Eric Williams: NewYorkHawk: Again, good question. I think Sanchez fits Seattle's scheme better than Stafford, who throws down the field more. But there's no denying Stafford's talent.

Eric Williams: Rez: Denver is definitely not out of the picture because of those two, first round picks. But they also have a lot other needs, particularly on defense.

Rez: Is Curry the pick just because he is the safest? Nice thinking TR, go for the guy who has hit his ceiling.

Eric Williams: ZenDoc: Not necessarily. I just would take Curry over anyone else because he's less of a risk. I'm pretty certain he's going to be the real deal.

Eric Williams: Rez: I think that's an interesting question. When I covered the Sonics Presti said they took Jeff Green at No. 5 because they didn't want to screw up the pick and wanted to make sure they got a

productive player. They're may have been other talented players on the board, but Green was a sure thing.

Eric Williams: I think Ruskell and most other GM's think the same way. You want to lessen the risk as much as possible.

Rez: That means Curry then. Boring. Borderline PB'er while Crab goes on to All Pro status.

ZenDoc: Yea, I met you at the Sonics trial Eric. What a fiasco - the mayor screwed up badly. Oh for the

days of the Sonics again. Anyway, is your Mock Draft online here somewhere?

Rez: Eric's mock is solid, but safe. Probably like what the Hawks draft will be.

Kuya: Rez: There's no question that Curry or Crabtree would instantly make the defense or offense better respectively. One thing that they have going against them is that WRs have the biggest bust factor...

ZenDoc: Even if Curry is really good, do the SeaHawks REALLY need a LB? It seems

to me not as much as several other positions.

Rez: LBs simply shouldn't command top 5 $. Any 3rd rounder should be able to tackle.

Eric Williams: ZenDoc: I think they could get by without drafting Curry and sliding D.D. Lewis in that role. But selecting Curry does give them some flexibility in their talks with Leroy Hill

Kuya: Zen: Look at this way, who's to say that Hill is going to sign his tender or even a long-term contract? If he showed up at Minicamp (I know it's not a big deal) and at least sign the tender it would make all the Curry talk cease.

BORNHAWK: Why put so much into the LB position when you could instantly upgrade your offense with Crab?

Bellykeepthunder: the issue at hand is where the seahawks need help at there is no premier talent at the top of the draft worthy of the number 4 pick and the contract that comes with it

Rez: Especially since there is no way both Burleson and Branch are on this team in 2010. None of the young guys have proven anything. It's so easy to find serviceable LBs.

Eric Williams: Bellykeepthunder brings up a good point. Who do trust giving a $30 million guaranteed contract to, and geting back value for your money? I think I'd go with Curry.

Bellykeepthunder: I'd have to agree Curry is the safe pick I'd love to see us trade down but that seems unlikely.

Rez: But Crabtree is far and away the #1 talent in the draft, in many expert's opinions.

Eric Williams: I think Crabtree is going to be good. But there are no guarantees he'll be the next Larry Fitzgerald. It is a risk Seattle has to consider.

Eric Williams: Rez: I wouldnt' say far and away, but I do agree that's Crabtree is the most explosive offensive player available.

cititravis: I am more interested with what we do with the second round pick, do they go running back, tackle, LB, or Safety there?

Bellykeepthunder: crabtree does look good but for every Lrry fitzgerald there is a

Charles Rodgers or Reggie Williams

BORNHAWK: Crabtree is the real deal. Are offense needs that one player to get back to where it was, a

playmaker. With the improvement of the D line don't you think that will take the pressure off the DB's and improve are D as a hole Eric?

Eric Williams: Cititravis: I think it depends on who they select in the first round. But I would consider Oline, RB or WR.

cititravis: At what point do you think they target secondary? it seems like a big need issue in this

division.

Eric Williams: Bornhawk: I agree to that in theory with all of the additions. But i want to see it on the field first.

BORNHAWK: Eric, before you go I just want to say great job on the blog and keep

up the good work

Eric Williams: Cititravis: I think they'll grab a safety or corner starting in the fourth round. And if they're not happy with what the get, expect them to take a look at former Hawk CB Lucas.

cititravis: Has there been any movement on the lucas front

Eric Williams: Bornhawk: Thanks. I appreciate it. And I thank all of you who check

out the blog everyday.

Cititravis: You are doing a great job with the blog Eric keep it up

Eric Williams: Cititravis: I think they are waiting until after the draft to determine if they need another guy in the secondary.

>

Stevo: Thanks Eric, and enjoy draft day!

Cititravis: I know it is just speculation but are they happy enough with Forsett to not draft a RB

Rez: thanks for the chat eric...maybe espn is in your future too

Cititravis: I think with the numbers that would be the odd man out if they go rb

Eric Williams: Cititravis: I think they like Forsett, but I believe they will probably draft another running back to add to the mix.

Kuya: Yes, awesome job with the blog! One more question before you go... What's up with Justin Griffth and Ken Lucas talks?

Eric Williams: From what I understand Justin Griffith has an injury that he's rehabbing, so look for

Seattle to perhaps sign him later during the offseason.

Cititravis: Do you think there is any interest in Pat White in Second or Third

About the Seahawks Insider Blog

Gregg Bell joined The News Tribune in July 2014. Bell had been the director of writing for the University of Washington's athletic department for four years. He was the senior national sports writer in Seattle for The Associated Press from 2005-10, covering the Seahawks in their first Super Bowl season and beyond. He's also been The Sacramento Bee's beat writer on the Oakland Athletics and Raiders. The native of Steubenville, Ohio, is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and a 2000 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.